PK 251
(Prophets and Kings 251)
“When Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well.” 2 Kings 5:21. Then Gehazi uttered a deliberate lie. “My master,” he said, “hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from Mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.” To the request Naaman gladly acceded, pressing upon Gehazi two talents of silver instead of one, “with two changes of garments,”(2 Kings 5:22) and commissioning servants to bear the treasure back. (PK 251.1) MC VC
As Gehazi neared Elisha’s home, he dismissed the servants and placed the silver and the garments in hiding. This accomplished, “he went in, and stood before his master;” and, to shield himself from censure, he uttered a second lie. In response to the inquiry of the prophet, “Whence comest thou?” Gehazi answered, “Thy servant went no whither.” 2 Kings 5:25. (PK 251.2) MC VC
Then came the stern denunciation, showing that Elisha knew all. “Went not mine heart with thee,” he asked, “when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever.” Swift was the retribution that overtook the guilty man. He went out from Elisha’s presence “a leper as white as snow.” 2 Kings 5:26, 27. (PK 251.3) MC VC